The Olympic medal winner plans to miss the FINA Diving World Series in Moscow on May 2 after being horrified by the country’s stance on same-sex couples.

Tom, who came out as gay in an online video in December, was originally in the Great Britain line-up for the contest.

But sources say he has now withdrawn on principle despite the fact it could affect his world ranking.

The Splash! star, 19, will also lose out on his appearance fee and potential prize money.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: “Tom decided to boycott the Russian competition due to their despicable treatment of gay people.

“It’s something he feels really passionately about.

“He knows it could lose him ranking points and money but he wants to take a stand, even if it is just a small one.”

The FINA Diving World Series is a competition ­circuit which compromises of six stops in six countries.

“The last thing Tom wants to do is bring his sexuality into his diving. But he does feel a bigger responsibility to be a role model now since coming out”

A source

The divers are then ranked based on their combined overall ­performances. Tom is believed to have made his decision after learning of the ­Russian government’s shocking attitude to homosexuals ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympics.

His American boyfriend Dustin Lance Black, 40, is a well-known gay activist and is said to ­support his decision.

Our source said: “The last thing Tom wants to do is bring his sexuality into his diving.

“But he does feel a bigger responsibility to be a role model now since coming out.”

Tom’s teammates, including straight divers Chris Mears, 21, and Jack Laugher, 19, are said to fully support his decision. This month’s Winter Olympics have been mired in controversy ­because of Russia’s stance on gay rights.

Famous names including Stephen Fry urged athletes to boycott them after ­legislation was passed last June to prevent the promotion of homosexuality.

Soft drink giant Coca-Cola has also come under fire from various groups for sponsoring the Games, which opened on Friday.

According to local ­reports police arrested ten activists on the ­opening day of the event for waving the rainbow flags adopted by gay rights groups.